In a gruesome incident in Uttar Pradesh (UP), Mohammad Akhlaq was beaten and stoned to death by a lynch mob allegedly over rumours that his family had been consuming and storing beef at home.
Around six people were arrested in connection with the lynching of the 50-year-old man and his 22-year-old son. Akhlaq’s son has been grievously injured and has been admitted to a hospital in critical condition.
Police have sent the meat samples recovered from Akhlaq’s home to forensics department. Akhlaq’s daughter Sajida told police that they had “mutton in their fridge” and not beef.
The incident took place in Bisara village of UP, Dadri where the residents attacked Akhlaq based on mere rumours.
District magistrate of Gautam Budh Nagar, NP Singh told that police forces have been deployed in the area and that the situation is under control.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Kiran S claimed that a temple priest known as “babaji” in the vicinity was among the six people arrested. The priest was later relieved after questioning and the police are presently investigating the matter.
Sajida says that “a group of more than 100 people from the village” broke down their house doors at night, dragged her father out and beat him bricks.